Merry Christmas 2000!

This has been an exciting year for us.

James (21) endured a 30 hour return trip from the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. He arrived in Austin on August 19, and had a busy week at home before taking off for school. He was able to attend the Houston Temple dedication, leaving directly from Houston for Idaho. Thanks to A.P. credits, James is graduating from Ricks College this month with an Associate degree. After spending a few months working in Texas, he will return to summer school. At this point, he is leaning toward returning to Ricks (which will then be called BYU-Idaho) to complete his bachelor's.

Rachel (19) had a demanding summer, working the 6 a.m.-2 p.m. breakfast and lunch shift at the Renaissance Hotel. The rest of us enjoyed her Marriott Hotel employee discounts. Her freshman year was a great experience. She now has nearly enough hours at BYU to be a junior with a major in psychology (pre-law). She visited Washington, D.C., Southern California and Utah, seeing friends from her freshman ward.

Russell (16) traded in his football gear and decided to concentrate on track this year. He obtained his driver's license on his 16th birthday, March 9. We were delighted that he could drive himself to 6 a.m. seminary! He is taking a heavy academic load which includes A.P. Computer Science.

John (14) has discovered Napster and loud music. His taste is certainly age-appropriate. He still loves Popeye's Cajun-fried chicken and pizza. In May, John enjoyed a quick trip to Utah where he became reacquainted with his grandmothers and other family members. He loves airplanes and often asks to travel.

Barbara was released as Relief Society President in January. She now serves as ward preparedness specialist and Scout Troop Committee Chair. She is hoping to work with Russell on his Eagle Scout project soon as all his merit badges are completed.

David took a few short trips this year, to Utah and California to see friends and family, and then a week Key West where he met his brother Joe. John begs for trips to BMC Software so even on weekends, David finds himself at work. John loves to use the second PC in David's office. Lately John has been attending church with David. The major disruption so far is when at the end of a hymn he said in a very loud voice "BMC Software AMEN!"

We are pleased to announce that BMC Software made a contribution to the summer camp John has attended for the last several years. Check out the website at CAMP.

Our picture was taken only a few hours after James returned from his mission. Rachel was recovering from surgery to remove her wisdom teeth two days earlier. We were all together in Austin for only two days, so we seized the opportunity for the snapshot.

We appreciate hearing from so many of our friends and family at Christmas.

Please enjoy our snapshots.